Specialist Aircrew Category

Hello All,
Can anybody tell me when the Branch, sub-Branch, or Trade, of “Specialist Aircrew” came into existence? As far as I am aware they had limited promotion prospects but – provided they stayed fit – they would be employed solely in an aircrew capacity?
Who would have been accepted into such a category?
Is such a thing still in existence today?
TIA
Peter Davies

Meteorology is a science; good meteorology is an art!
We might not know - but we might know who does!

It was certainly established by the mid 70's Peter.
The modern equivalent is the 'PA' spine (Professional Aviator).
Basically it would be the RAF pilots who just wanted to keep flying and were not bothered about climbing the greasy pole of promotion to senior ranks.
Their promotion prospects were limited to Sqn Ldr rank.
Spec Aircrew/PA do have a different pay structure though and receive extra salary/flying pay compared to 'normal' Aircrew Officers.

Very briefest mention in Jefford, Observers and Navigators of starting in 1970.
With scope far wider than the main title suggests, the second edn is as great achievement as the first, on the history and sometimes boggling variations in the long history of aircrew categories, quals, badges and so on.
Monumental and wholly admirable, but sadly unindexed.
Can't now find the mention.